Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Commandos: Strike Force departs from the series’ traditional real-time tactics formula, plunging players into a first-person shooter framework that blends stealth, strategic planning, and high-octane firefights. The Collector’s Edition doesn’t alter the core gameplay, but having the original soundtrack at your fingertips on the included 64 MB USB stick elevates every mission, allowing you to cue up Hans Zimmer–style orchestrations before you slip behind enemy lines. As you assume control of your chosen commando, you’ll toggle between sneaking past sentries, silently dispatching guards, and coordinating explosive set-pieces that feel both tense and rewarding.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The mission design in Strike Force is varied and often multilayered, offering objectives ranging from sabotage and reconnaissance to all-out assaults on fortified compounds. While the AI occasionally shows predictable patterns, it also reacts intelligently to noise and gunfire, forcing you to adapt on the fly—following a guard’s patrol route one moment and ducking into cover to avoid a hail of bullets the next. With access to specialized loadouts for each commando, you’ll need to decide whether to equip silenced pistols, submachine guns, or heavy weaponry before embarking on each operation.

One of the strongest aspects of the gameplay loop is the balance between stealth and action. Early levels reward a cautious approach—quiet takedowns and environmental kills—while later missions ramp up the intensity, demanding rapid reflexes and coordinated team tactics. The Collector’s Edition soundtrack heightens these transitions, turning a simple diversion behind enemy lines into a cinematic experience. Whether you’re disabling anti-aircraft guns or escaping a crumbling ammunition depot, the game’s pacing ensures that every scenario feels unique and packed with tension.

Graphics

At its release, Commandos: Strike Force showcased detailed WWII environments that captured the grim atmosphere of the 1940s European and North African theaters. The game engine delivers realistic textures on soldier uniforms, muddy trenches, and rusted machinery, while dynamic lighting casts convincing shadows that reinforce the stealth mechanics—making you think twice before stepping into a beam of searchlights. Though modern titles have surpassed it, Strike Force’s visuals still hold up for fans of classic shooters.

Explosions, muzzle flashes, and debris all benefit from crisp particle effects, and the Collector’s Edition package includes high-resolution artwork in the manual and on the USB stick, giving players a closer look at concept sketches and in-game screenshots. The attention to detail extends to character animations—wounded soldiers stagger naturally, and your commando’s breathing intensifies after a sprint—adding layers of immersion even if the polygon counts feel dated by today’s standards.

Performance remains stable on contemporary hardware, with few frame drops even during large-scale firefights. Texture pop-in is minimal, and loading times are reasonable thanks to the direct-from-USB access granted by the 64 MB stick. The absence of technical hiccups means you can focus more on planning your next move rather than waiting for assets to stream in. All told, Strike Force’s graphics provide a serviceable stage for the game’s mix of stealth and action, enhanced by the Collector’s Edition art package for enthusiasts.

Story

Commandos: Strike Force weaves a globe-trotting narrative that sends your elite squad behind enemy lines in Germany, France, and North Africa. Each mission contributes to a larger push against the Axis war machine, culminating in a high-stakes raid on a secret weapons facility. The plot is straightforward and mission-driven, but it effectively channels the spirit of World War II resistance tales and keeps you motivated with clear objectives and escalating risks.

Character development takes a backseat to action, yet brief in-game cutscenes and radio chatter provide personal touches—such as the commando sniper reassuring a wounded comrade or the demolitions expert cracking jokes under fire. These moments are underscored by the Collector’s Edition soundtrack, making them feel more dramatic and memorable. While the dialogue can be cheesy at times, it aligns with the genre’s pulpy roots and adds a sense of camaraderie among your squad.

The story pacing is commendable, shifting seamlessly between stealth reconnaissance and all-out assaults. There’s an underlying sense of urgency in each mission briefing, amplified by stirring orchestral tracks that you can revisit on the USB stick whenever you want. Though the narrative doesn’t break new ground, it serves its purpose admirably—providing context, motivation, and a satisfying conclusion to your commando crusade.

Overall Experience

Commandos: Strike Force (Collector’s Edition) offers a solid blend of stealth tactics and first-person shooting that captures the essence of WWII special operations. While it may divide purists who prefer the franchise’s original command-and-control route, it stands on its own as an engaging, mission-driven FPS with enough variety to keep you invested from start to finish. The inclusion of the original soundtrack and a 64 MB USB stick adds collector value and enhances immersion for fans who appreciate tangible extras.

The Collector’s Edition packaging is sturdy and attractive, featuring exclusive cover art and a high-quality manual with behind-the-scenes insights. The USB stick is a nice novelty—portable, branded, and preloaded with every track from the game, allowing you to customize your listening experience even when you’re away from the battlefield. These physical bonuses don’t change the core gameplay, but they do enrich the package and demonstrate the publisher’s commitment to fans.

Ultimately, this edition is best suited for collectors and enthusiasts of WWII shooters who want both the game and its music in one definitive bundle. Casual players may prefer a digital download of the base game, but if you value artful presentation, tangible keepsakes, and an evocative soundtrack, the Collector’s Edition is a worthy investment. Commandos: Strike Force remains an atmospheric, action-packed romp through WWII’s most clandestine missions—complete with the extras that make owning a physical copy truly special.

Retro Replay Score

null/10